Let's first talk about the basics....

How long are you brushing? The American Dental Association recommends at least brushing for 2 minutes two or more times a day.

How hard is your brush? Did you know that harder brushes can act like sandpaper and slowly strip away the enamel. Softer and longer is better!

How much coffee are you drinking? Moderation is key especially when dealing with beverages that can stain your teeth. Switch to green tea: A recent study showed that people who drink green tea had less bacteria and acid in their mouths as well as reduced gum bleeding.

How often do you floss... really? I'm sure we have all heard this before but it's best done daily.

The Mouth-Body Connection

Your mouth really is the window to your health. How can this happen? Bacteria slowly builds up on the teeth making the gums prone to infection. Next, the immune system moves in to attack the infection and the gums become inflamed. If not addressed this can lead to chronic inflammation. After a while the inflammation and the chemicals it releases begin to eat away at the gums and bone structure that holds the teeth in place causing severe gum disease.

Were still trying to find the exact cause (could the gum disease lead to inflammation in the blood vessels? ) but we do know that up to 91% of patients with heart disease have periodontitis!